Sorry for the lack of activity here, kids … but my absence can best be summarized in the following mathematical equation: 59 yrs. @ 6’1″ + 189 lbs. x 45 mph ÷ Gravity = Unlimited Legal Drugs. Is this a great country, or what?

My darling Della, who valiantly tried to stay upright after I was forced into the median curb by a car, only suffered a broken rear turn signal lens and a scuffed derby cover on the transfer case. Other than that, not a scratch, dent or wobble in the wheels or fork, all controls untouched and safe to operate.

However, like being in a late-onset Sesame Street episode, I was destined to learn a new word, a medical word that was applicable not just once; oh no, it was applied to my condition twice, but with different body parts in play with the use of the word.

That word is stenosis; from an Ancient Greek word that means “narrowing.”

While shopping in an Indianapolis Wal-Mart in mid-August, I suddenly went totally blind in my left eye. Now, I had been having little bouts of impaired vision, where these obscuring fields of gray blocked parts of my field of view in either eye; sometimes the top half, sometimes the bottom half, sometimes the sides, sometimes was like a tunnel and sometimes right in the center of my vision. But, they began dissipating almost as soon as they appeared, and never lasted more than a minute or so at the most.

Not this time.

This time, it stayed blocked, completely. As I was processing this as a possible problem, I became aware that the entire right side of my body – from neck to feet – felt like it was asleep; not paralyzed but buzzing and as if something was trying to grasp my entire right side with frail but gripping fingertips.

With a family history of heart problems, I was aware of the signs, and how to deal with an onset if one still had the ability to control functions as it begins. I began talking to myself, out loud, making sure it was clear and not slurred or babbling voicings. I smiled and felt my facial muscles for the expression. And I made a beeline for a store employee, ready to ask them to call 911 for me.

As I approached a guy working frozen foods, there was a sudden wave of nausea, and a feeling of being very flushed, along with a biting, metallic taste …

Then, a momentary pain from hell, merely nanoseconds if that, which felt as if I had been shot in the temple, directly behind my left eye.

And with that, my vision returned, all other symptoms disappeared, and the numbness was gone.

I knew it wasn’t something to ignore, so I called my childhood best friend, who just happens to be a doctor, and a bit of an expert in cardiac matters. He told me to return immediately, and though I had driven to Indy from Myrtle Beach, I could not take the time to re-pack my things and then make the arduous 800-mile drive under the circumstances – so I booked a flight the next day and returned home.

My exceptional friend had me come over to his office, to pop the hood and give me a look.

Seems I had experienced what is called a “Classic TIA,” medical slang for a transient ischemic attack, which means I had a pre-stroke stroke; a wake-up call, if you will.

He checked both carotids in my neck with a stethoscope; immediately went over and called his cardio guy for a consult. They ascertained that I suffered from carotid stenosis (There are 2 main arteries to the brain, right and left; I have an 85%+ clogged right artery.) That will have to be opened up and cleaned out.

The unexpected free drama came when a second stethoscope visit and a simple listen to my heartbeat led to a second phone call for a second consult, and they hurried me to a small room. An ultrasound scan immediately revealed on screen what he had heard through his stethoscope – a failing aortic valve, which (surprise!) is called aortic stenosis … which, turns out, is sorta important. So that will have to be replaced.

Perhaps Della was implicit in my re-introduction to mother earth in front of the M.B. Airport terminal in late August. There was a purpose in slamming my ass into the ground at 45 mph and impaling my leg with the carburetor intake, which allowed my circulatory system to have a “pop-off pressure release” that kept my heart valve from exploding with the pressure put on it upon impact of my chest and collarbone with the median grass. For most practical purposes, the chest held together, although severely bruised and a cracked rib or two. The collarbone made the ultimate sacrifice, however. But I did get lots and lots of little collarbone pieces to listen to whenever I moved my left arm, or breathed.

Honestly, I think Della may have just wanted to take my mind off of the new words I had learned, especially after I returned home from my medical evaluation and researched the conditions, online. Because it turns out, stenosis pretty much means, “Dude, you are so screwed if you don’t have surgery – very soon.”

Oddly enough, that was pretty much the assessment of my doctors. So, I’m in the glide path for a couple of major surgeries, including the always-a-hoot open heart variety.

Needless to say, on top of immediately forcing me back to the beach for treatment while in the middle of my most recent extended visits to see my sweetie in Indianapolis, Indiana, it has pretty much put an end to my writing or promoting musical performances for the immediate future. But I promise to keep my journal going into all phases of this, and reporting to you as we go along and see just how much fun this is going to be.

Pros: I have watched “Grey’s Anatomy.” Cons: I have watched “Grey’s Anatomy.”

FYI: If you develop anal stenosis – Magnesium Citrate, drink an entire bottle; then take Senekot, twice a day.

There is an undeniable bond between brothers, as any mix of male siblings will attest; and sometimes the best you can hope for is, well, a minimum of carnage or fallout.

And other times – as in this case – regardless of how smooth or bumpy the road has been, the world is blessed with a resulting collaboration (along with some very talented friends) which gives us all a plethora of good times, good quotes and – best of all – good music.

Thankfully, those of in the greater Indianapolis area can all be witness to the latter. Because pound for pound (or oz. for oz., depending on your stash), one of the best bands to ever hit a studio or stage; the pride of Georgia; the clarions of born-again hippies – The Black Crowes – are once again coming to grace the stage at Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn @ White River State Park on Tuesday, August 13.

The iconic and influential rock band released their first-ever double album of all acoustic materials, Croweology, in 2010 before taking an extended hiatus to recharge and refresh the band, and currently have returned to the road in 2013 with their “Lay Down with Number 13” world tour,which includes a stop along the shore at our fair little town. The trek launched with five sold-out U.K. shows and and is now in progress in the U.S., continuing through June 2. After that, the band will return to Europe for a leg of dates June 18 to July 6, including headlining shows, festivals and two stadium concerts with BruceSpringsteen.

The Black Crowes – Chris Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall (keyboards) and new member Jackie Greene (guitar, vocals)–will reach deep inside their songbook and extensive catalog, performing greatly varied set lists. And leading into the tour, the iconic and influential band have just released the live collection, Wiser For The Time (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records) on March 19. Its mammoth eight sides on four vinyl albums contains 26 songs–15 acoustic and 11 electric–from the band’s five-night, sold-out NYC performances in the fall of 2010. These never-released-before versions are also available as a double album digital download. The band’s cover of Bob Dylan’s classic “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” was exclusively premiered on RollingStone.com on March 4 and can be heard at the link below. The full track listing for the collection can be found at www.blackcrowes.com

The Black Crowes have sold over 20 million albums and are known as one of rock’s best live acts. They have been called “The Most Rock n’ Roll Rock ‘n’ Roll Band In the World” and a “thoroughbred American rock ‘n’ freakin’ roll band”; their panoramic live shows feature alternating set lists and signature incendiary musical explorations. In 2010, they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame at the 32ndAnnual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show. Also in 2010, they commemorated the 20th anniversary of their landmark multi-platinum debut, 1990′s Shake Your Moneymaker, with Croweology (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records), their acclaimed first-ever double album of all-acoustic material with new arrangements of their best-loved songs and deep cuts. Produced by Paul Stacey, Croweology gives listeners an intimate retrospective, stripping away these fan and band favorites like “Jealous Again,” “Remedy,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Wiser Time” to their very essence through brand new recordings captured in 2009 at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.

Right from their start in 1990 – with their six million-selling Shake Your Money Maker, a pivotal work that kick started an authentic style of rock and roll in America – The Black Crowes have been at odds with prevailing commercial trends. Their heady mix of ‘70s inflected rock, Funkadelic soul and heartfelt roots music jostled against the hair metal and high-gloss pop getting airplay at the start of that decade. While the sheer attitude and charm of “Hard To Handle” and “Twice As Hard” managed to make waves, the intervening years have seen the band steadily evolve an increasingly refined, singular sound that takes the best parts of hard rock, gospel, country, psychedelia and anything else it fancies into their hungry maw to create something several light years beyond the young men who recorded “She Talks To Angels.”

And it didn’t hurt that the band caught the ear (and eye) of late night icon David Letterman, who showcased The Black Crowes prominently on then-NBC’s Late Night with David Letterman, propelling the band into mainstream America as a compliment to the already raging FM play the band was receiving on the campuses of colleges across the nation. After Letterman switched to CBS, The Black Crowes have continued to make appearances to the delight of the host and nation alike.

“Even in our most commercially successful period,” says Chris, “there was nothing like us on any format. By the time grunge happened, Southern Harmony (1992) and amorica (1994) didn’t fit into any part of popular music. We looked different, we sounded different, and we set up our culture a little different,” he adds. “Everybody who wanted to bag us because they thought they knew what we were missed out on a lot of good music, good concerts and a band that, even at our weirdest, had something to say.”

The Black Crowes not only had something to say; they became known as as one of rock’s best live acts and have been called a “thoroughbred American rock ‘n’ freakin’ roll band.” Their panoramic live shows feature alternating set lists and signature incendiary musical explorations that are designed to take audiences on a journey.

The band took a break starting in late 2001 which turned out to be a four-year-hiatus. Then, on January 11, 2005, The Black Crowes announced their highly anticipated and long-awaited return to the live concert stage with five special shows at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom (March 22-30, 2005). All five concerts – billed by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson as ‘’All Join Hands” – sold out instantly, marking the fastest New York sell-out that The Black Crowes have experienced to date. To meet the absolutely overwhelming fan demand, two more shows were added at Hammerstein. And those sold out. Total tickets sold in New York City: 22,000. Clearly, The Black Crowes were back.

Since then, the touring dynamos have explored their extensive catalog on main stages from Bonnaroo to the Voodoo Music Experience to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, celebrating nearly two decades of “Cosmic Rock-n-Roll” in front of sold-out audiences everywhere. The Black Crowes are one of the few acts to emerge in the early ‘90s still thriving today. And fewer still can claim to have shared the stage with Jimmy Page, AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and The Who. Like these legends, The Black Crowes create music that endures because it speaks to more than momentary concerns – and now, they are once again touring the world, bringing their Freak N’ Roll to the devoted fans that have embraced them. As always, The Black Crowes continue to do things their own way.

Not Mere Openers: The Tedeschi Trucks Band

Tedeschi Trucks Band. Photo by Mark Seliger.

As The Black Crowes and Tedeschi Trucks Band continue their own spring tours, they’re excited about their recently announced co-headlining summer tour of outdoor venues along with special guests The London Souls. It runs July 19 in Nashville, TN through August 15 in Rochester Hills, MI.

And on May 9, Tedeschi Trucks Band took home three awards at the Blues Music Awards: Best Band, Best Rock Blues Album (Everybody’s Talkin’) and Best Guitarist!

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to tour with many great bands in our career including Jimmy Page, The Stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Who, Tom Petty and Oasis,” says The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson. “This tour will be just as exciting for us. I was able to see Derek and Susan recently and was blown away. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this summer tour will unfold and what surprises happen.” Chris Robinson says,“We’re over the moon not only to be playing with stellar musicians but the fact that Susan and Derek are friends makes our summer run that much more fulfilling.”

“It’s going to be great to be out with the Crowes this summer–both bands are road-tested and shoot from the hip,” says Derek Trucks of Tedeschi Trucks Band. “It should be a hell of a tour.” His wife Susan Tedeschi agrees: “The whole band is really looking forward to the summer tour. We’re excited to work in some new songs from our upcoming album. I’ve been a longtime fan of the Crowes and think our bands are going to have a blast touring together.“

Tedeschi Trucks Band, the 11-piece ensemble led by husband-wife team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, have proven themselves one of the hottest, most uplifting acts on the road today. Formed in 2010 when Derek and Susan decided to set aside their successful solo careers and join forces, Tedeschi Trucks Band delivers a hearty roots-rich musical mix fronted by Trucks’ signature slide guitar sound and Tedeschi’s pliant, honey-to-husk voice. With a repertoire that includes its Grammy-winning debut Revelator and dynamic live follow-up Everybody’s Talkin’, the band kicked off 2013 in the studio to record their second studio album, set for release in late summer. They recently wrapped up five shows in Australia and are back on tour in the U.S. this spring before launching the summer tour.

Here is the itinerary for THE BLACK CROWES/TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND with The London Souls tour.

Fri-Aug-09

Holmdel, NJ

PNC Bank Arts Center

Sat-Aug-10

Wantagh, NY

Nikon at Jones Beach

Sun-Aug-11

Philadelphia, PA

Mann Center

Tue-Aug-13

Indianapolis, IN

Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn @ White River

Wed-Aug-14

Chicago, IL

Charter One Pavilion

Thu-Aug-15

Rochester Hills, MI

Meadow Brook

On a personal note, I have had the great fortune and pleasure to have attended every appearance by these boys at HOB over past 12-plus years, and as anyone who has attended will concur, they consistently rank in the Top 10 shows EVER at House Of Blues. Only, in all honesty, it’s not really a concert. It’s more like having the preeminent R&R band in America perform in your living room, their playlist is more of a veritable snapshot of the past 25 years of your life than a concert. I caught them in Myrtle Beach, S.C. earlier this Spring, and they were far and away in a whole ‘nother plane of performing, breaking out material and full album tracks they haven’t done in years. So strap on your earth shoes, slide on your bell bottoms and best silk hippie shirts and blouses, and watch the clock to make sure to toast 4:20: ‘Cause one of the best bands ever to be born 20 years too late – The Black Crowes – will smoke The Lawn @ White River State Park on Tuesday, August 13 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $52.00-$82.00 and available at the Old Nation Centre Box Office and Live Nation. All ages event. Located at 801 W Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana.

Rarely will you ever hear me proselytize about the need for everyone to hear this one artist at least one time in your individual lifetimes. Music, much like life, tends to be both abject and objective. So when I think of an artist who bridges all genres, all generations, all boundaries real or imagined – I can only find one, storied name.

And I don’t think you’ll be too surprised to know my choice for this title is B.B. King, which is made even more delectable by the fact that the legendary bluesman will bring his merry band of compatriots to House Of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, SC on Sunday, July 7, 2013.

I’ve attended every show that B.B. has performed at HOB since it opened in 1999, and each one remains ensconced atop my considerably extensive concert attendance record as the most enjoyable – by both the audience and the artist.

If you’ve never seen B.B. live, you’ve only yourself to blame. In 64 years, he’s performed over 15,000 concerts … so these shows are special.

Here’s a little of the history of this true icon, from his official website:

His reign as King of the Blues has been as long as that of any monarch on earth. Yet B.B. King continues to wear his crown well. At age 87 (88 on his birthday, Sept. 16), he is still light on his feet, singing and playing the blues with relentless passion. Time has no apparent effect on B.B., other than to make him more popular, more cherished, more relevant than ever. Don’t look for him in some kind of semi-retirement; look for him out on the road, playing for people, popping up in a myriad of T.V. commercials, or laying down tracks for his next album. B.B. King is as alive as the music he plays, and a grateful world can’t get enough of him.

For more than half a century, Riley B. King – better known as B.B. King – has defined the blues for a worldwide audience. Since he started recording in the 1940s, he has released over fifty albums, many of them classics. He was born September 16, 1925, on a plantation in Itta Bena, Mississippi, near Indianola. In his youth, he played on street corners for dimes, and would sometimes play in as many as four towns a night. In 1947, he hitchhiked to Memphis, TN, to pursue his music career. Memphis was where every important musician of the South gravitated, and which supported a large musical community where every style of African American music could be found. B.B. stayed with his cousin Bukka White, one of the most celebrated blues performers of his time, who schooled B.B. further in the art of the blues.

B.B.’s first big break came in 1948 when he performed on Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio program on KWEM out of West Memphis. This led to steady engagements at the Sixteenth Avenue Grill in West Memphis, and later to a ten-minute spot on black-staffed and managed Memphis radio station WDIA. “King’s Spot,” became so popular, it was expanded and became the “Sepia Swing Club.” Soon B.B. needed a catchy radio name. What started out as Beale Street Blues Boy was shortened to Blues Boy King, and eventually B.B. King.

In the mid-1950s, while B.B. was performing at a dance in Twist, Arkansas, a few fans became unruly. Two men got into a fight and knocked over a kerosene stove, setting fire to the hall. B.B. raced outdoors to safety with everyone else, then realized that he left his beloved $30 acoustic guitar inside, so he rushed back inside the burning building to retrieve it, narrowly escaping death. When he later found out that the fight had been over a woman named Lucille, he decided to give the name to his guitar to remind him never to do a crazy thing like fight over a woman. Ever since, each one of B.B.’s trademark Gibson guitars has been called Lucille.

Soon after his number one hit, “Three O’Clock Blues,” B.B. began touring nationally. In 1956, B.B. and his band played an astonishing 342 one-night stands. From the chitlin circuit with its small-town cafes, juke joints, and country dance halls to rock palaces, symphony concert halls, universities, resort hotels and amphitheaters, nationally and internationally, B.B. has become the most renowned blues musician of the past 40 years.

Over the years, B.B. has developed one of the world’s most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarist’s vocabulary. His economy, his every-note-counts phrasing, has been a model for thousands of players, from Eric Clapton and George Harrison to Jeff Beck. B.B. has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In B.B.’s words, “When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille.”

The decades of bonding with his fans gives B.B. the extra comfort of being himself no matter what happens. If he had a bad day, he’ll tell you about it but he won’t dwell on it; same if he had a great day. Telling the stories of the blues in the context of B.B. King’s perspective makes them palpable when he regales them, interacting with his veteran bandmates in a way that transcends being a musician or a professional performer … they are the very epitome of brothers, baptized in the harsh reality of the history of their lives as black men in a predominately white market. They don’t feed on the negative, except to draw from experience that can be put to words and music, and conveyed to us all as the blues.

His age and advanced diabetes requires that B.B. sit for the duration of his show, but it doesn’t lessen that signature sound or prevent him from sharing a laugh. These are shows that remain, vibrant and fresh, in your memory banks forever … don’t let this chance to experience this delightful legend’s soulful sound slip you by.

B.B. continues to tour extensively, averaging over 250 concerts per year around the world. Classics such as “Payin’ The Cost To Be The Boss,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” How Blue Can You Get,” “Everyday I Have The Blues,” and “Why I Sing The Blues” are concert (and fan) staples. Over the years, the Grammy Award-winner has had two #1 R&B hits, 1951’s “Three O’Clock Blues,” and 1952’s “You Don’t Know Me,” and four #2 R&B hits, 1953’s “Please Love Me,” 1954’s “You Upset Me Baby,” 1960’s “Sweet Sixteen, Part I,” and 1966’s “Don’t Answer The Door, Part I.” B.B.’s most popular crossover hit, 1970’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” went to #15 pop.

There is an undeniable bond between brothers, as any mix of male siblings will attest; and sometimes the best you can hope for is, well, a minimum of carnage or fallout.

And other times – as in this case – regardless of how smooth or bumpy the road has been, the world is blessed with a resulting collaboration (along with some very talented friends) which gives us all a plethora of good times, good quotes and – best of all – good music.

Thankfully, those of us along the Grand Strand can all be witness to the latter. Because pound for pound (or oz. for oz., depending on your stash), one of the best bands to ever hit a studio or stage; the pride of our southern bordering neighbor, Georgia; the clarions of born-again hippies – The Black Crowes – are once again coming to grace the stage at House Of Blues in North Myrtle Beach on Sunday, May 19.

The iconic and influential rock band released their first-ever double album of all acoustic materials, Croweology, in 2010 before taking an extended hiatus to recharge and refresh the band, and currently have returned to the road in 2013 with their “Lay Down with Number 13” world tour,which includes a stop along the shore at our fair little town. The trek launched with five sold-out U.K. shows and and is now in progress in the U.S., continuing through June 2. After that, the band will return to Europe for a leg of dates June 18 to July 6, including headlining shows, festivals and two stadium concerts with BruceSpringsteen.

The Black Crowes – Chris Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Rich Robinson (guitar, vocals), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Adam MacDougall (keyboards) and new member Jackie Greene (guitar, vocals)–will reach deep inside their songbook and extensive catalog, performing greatly varied set lists. And leading into the tour, the iconic and influential band have just released the live collection, Wiser For The Time (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records) on March 19. Its mammoth eight sides on four vinyl albums contains 26 songs–15 acoustic and 11 electric–from the band’s five-night, sold-out NYC performances in the fall of 2010. These never-released-before versions are also available as a double album digital download. The band’s cover of Bob Dylan’s classic “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” was exclusively premiered on RollingStone.com on March 4 and can be heard at the link below. The full track listing for the collection can be found at www.blackcrowes.com

The Black Crowes have sold over 20 million albums and are known as one of rock’s best live acts. They have been called “The Most Rock n’ Roll Rock ‘n’ Roll Band In the World” and a “thoroughbred American rock ‘n’ freakin’ roll band”; their panoramic live shows feature alternating set lists and signature incendiary musical explorations. In 2010, they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame at the 32ndAnnual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show. Also in 2010, they commemorated the 20th anniversary of their landmark multi-platinum debut, 1990′s Shake Your Moneymaker, with Croweology (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records), their acclaimed first-ever double album of all-acoustic material with new arrangements of their best-loved songs and deep cuts. Produced by Paul Stacey, Croweology gives listeners an intimate retrospective, stripping away these fan and band favorites like “Jealous Again,” “Remedy,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Wiser Time” to their very essence through brand new recordings captured in 2009 at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.

Right from their start in 1990 – with their six million-selling Shake Your Money Maker, a pivotal work that kick started an authentic style of rock and roll in America – The Black Crowes have been at odds with prevailing commercial trends. Their heady mix of ‘70s inflected rock, Funkadelic soul and heartfelt roots music jostled against the hair metal and high-gloss pop getting airplay at the start of that decade. While the sheer attitude and charm of “Hard To Handle” and “Twice As Hard” managed to make waves, the intervening years have seen the band steadily evolve an increasingly refined, singular sound that takes the best parts of hard rock, gospel, country, psychedelia and anything else it fancies into their hungry maw to create something several light years beyond the young men who recorded “She Talks To Angels.”

And it didn’t hurt that the band caught the ear (and eye) of late night icon David Letterman, who showcased The Black Crowes prominently on then-NBC’s Late Night with David Letterman, propelling the band into mainstream America as a compliment to the already raging FM play the band was receiving on the campuses of colleges across the nation. After Letterman switched to CBS, The Black Crowes have continued to make appearances to the delight of the host and nation alike.

“Even in our most commercially successful period,” says Chris, “there was nothing like us on any format. By the time grunge happened, Southern Harmony (1992) and amorica (1994) didn’t fit into any part of popular music. We looked different, we sounded different, and we set up our culture a little different,” he adds. “Everybody who wanted to bag us because they thought they knew what we were missed out on a lot of good music, good concerts and a band that, even at our weirdest, had something to say.”

The Black Crowes not only had something to say; they became known as as one of rock’s best live acts and have been called a “thoroughbred American rock ‘n’ freakin’ roll band.” Their panoramic live shows feature alternating set lists and signature incendiary musical explorations that are designed to take audiences on a journey.

The band took a break starting in late 2001 which turned out to be a four-year-hiatus. Then, on January 11, 2005, The Black Crowes announced their highly anticipated and long-awaited return to the live concert stage with five special shows at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom (March 22-30, 2005). All five concerts – billed by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson as ‘’All Join Hands” – sold out instantly, marking the fastest New York sell-out that The Black Crowes have experienced to date. To meet the absolutely overwhelming fan demand, two more shows were added at Hammerstein. And those sold out. Total tickets sold in New York City: 22,000. Clearly, The Black Crowes were back.

Since then, the touring dynamos have explored their extensive catalog on main stages from Bonnaroo to the Voodoo Music Experience to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, celebrating nearly two decades of “Cosmic Rock-n-Roll” in front of sold-out audiences everywhere. The Black Crowes are one of the few acts to emerge in the early ‘90s still thriving today. And fewer still can claim to have shared the stage with Jimmy Page, AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and The Who. Like these legends, The Black Crowes create music that endures because it speaks to more than momentary concerns – and now, they are once again touring the world, bringing their Freak N’ Roll to the devoted fans that have embraced them. As always, The Black Crowes continue to do things their own way.

On a personal note, I have had the great fortune and pleasure to have attended every appearance by these boys at HOB over past 12-plus years, and as anyone who has attended will concur, they consistently rank in the Top 10 shows EVER at House Of Blues. Only, in all honesty, it’s not really a concert. It’s more like having the preeminent R&R band in America perform in your living room, their playlist is more of a veritable snapshot of the past 25 years of your life than a concert.

So strap on your earth shoes, slide on your bell bottoms and best silk hippie shirts and blouses, and watch the clock to make sure to toast 4:20: ‘Cause one of the best bands ever to be born 20 years too late – The Black Crowes – will smoke the House Of Blues at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, SC, on Sunday, May 19. Tickets are $39.50 in Advance; $42.50 Day of Show. Doors open 7:30 p.m. For info call 843-272-3000; for tickets call 1-877-598-8497; or visit http://www.livenation.com .

Beyond This Show:

As The Black Crowes and Tedeschi Trucks Band continue their own spring tours, they’re excited about their recently announced co-headlining summer tour of outdoor venues along with special guests The London Souls. It runs July 19 in Nashville, TN through August 15 in Rochester Hills, MI.

And on May 9, Tedeschi Trucks Band took home three awards at the Blues Music Awards: Best Band, Best Rock Blues Album (Everybody’s Talkin’) and Best Guitarist!

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to tour with many great bands in our career including Jimmy Page, The Stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Who, Tom Petty and Oasis,” says The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson. “This tour will be just as exciting for us. I was able to see Derek and Susan recently and was blown away. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this summer tour will unfold and what surprises happen.” Chris Robinson says,“We’re over the moon not only to be playing with stellar musicians but the fact that Susan and Derek are friends makes our summer run that much more fulfilling.”

“It’s going to be great to be out with the Crowes this summer–both bands are road-tested and shoot from the hip,” says Derek Trucks of Tedeschi Trucks Band. “It should be a hell of a tour.” His wife Susan Tedeschi agrees: “The whole band is really looking forward to the summer tour. We’re excited to work in some new songs from our upcoming album. I’ve been a longtime fan of the Crowes and think our bands are going to have a blast touring together. “

Tedeschi Trucks Band, the 11-piece ensemble led by husband-wife team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, have proven themselves one of the hottest, most uplifting acts on the road today. Formed in 2010 when Derek and Susan decided to set aside their successful solo careers and join forces, Tedeschi Trucks Band delivers a hearty roots-rich musical mix fronted by Trucks’ signature slide guitar sound and Tedeschi’s pliant, honey-to-husk voice. With a repertoire that includes its Grammy-winning debut Revelator and dynamic live follow-up Everybody’s Talkin’, the band kicked off 2013 in the studio to record their second studio album, set for release in late summer. They recently wrapped up five shows in Australia and are back on tour in the U.S. this spring before launching the summer tour.

No use trying to deny it any longer, folks – around these parts (and a good portion of the nation), winter is listed as M.I.A. and it looks as if we can shelve the sweaters and blankies until next year – because we have slipped right past the ol’ Vernal Equinox (that’s First Day of Spring, Vern) and there is no shortage of things to do around the Palmetto state.

The iconic Long Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

And while there is a veritable plethora of activities for you to enjoy, I must admit blatant prejudice in advising you to make one annual spring event that “Must See” item on your agenda, and the bestest part of my choice is that it can be enjoyed by every member of your family – and if you choose the one that allows it, even Fido can join the family outing!

See how magnificent a swamp can look, as it frames the basis for Cypress Gardens off of Hwy. 52 near Moncks Corner.

I’m speaking of what I personally find to be one of South Carolina’s most stellar attractions, which features the perfect union of the ingenuity and stewardship of humans with the breathtaking beauty of nature in all of her majestic glory – the ring of Gardens that encircle Historic Charleston and the immediate vicinity.

You can peruse the brochures, look online and get pertinent info … but there is NOTHING to compare with being there and taking in the stunning beauty that prevails and permeates every molecule of your being.

The breathtaking majesty of terraced landscaping that flows down to the waters of Middleton Place on Hwy. 61, which runs along the Ashley River.

Oh, and if you have a pooch, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the ONLY garden in the state that allows doggies. Be responsible and have them on a leash, but trust me, they will have a field day – and so will you.

And, honestly, in a category all its own – and season or time of year not that important, although always gorgeous with luscious, green leaves amongst massive, winding limbs that are draped with different forms of moss, from moist, wet green velvet to the arid, gray lifeless appearance of Spanish Moss hanging like a spirit that lingers on earth with a passionate urgency:

Angel Oak in all her majesty, in living color! Notice the man in red jacket on left and person to left of trunk to gain perspective on size of the tree.

Angel Oak Tree Park is located on Johns Island with no admission charge. The park also has a gift shop and picnic area. On Johns Island stands the majestic Angel Oak. Estimated to be between 300-400 years old; the tree towers 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Its area of shade is 17,000 square feet and its largest limb has a circumference of 11.5 feet, and a length of 89 feet.

Live oaks are not particularly tall trees, but have wide-spreading canopies. Only in the very old specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as you do the limbs of the Angel Oak. The City of Charleston acquired the Angel Oak Park in1991.

Hey kids, sorry for the delay in posting current stuff for the past couple of months. Been a little busy trying to move a lifetime’s worth of “stuff” from the home that I sold in the fall, mostly by myself in carloads at a time. Was very fortunate to have a couple of workers help move the really big, heavy items in a 20′ U-Haul truck so that it was all in one trip getting to the second storage unit I had to procure due to the aforementioned lifetime’s worth of “stuff.”

Anywho, Spring has sprung and lots of new tours are cranking up, plus all the new bands – both local and worldwide – will soon be competing for stages all over the Grand Strand and the Carolinas in general.

One of the features I intend to add will be a Concert Calender, which will primarily show every major tour in the Georgia/S.C./N.C. triangle of the Southeastern Seaboard, and tossing in Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia just because, well, I’m that kinda guy.

If you have a band – or know a band – who is seeking some coverage in getting their name out there so folks who support live music know where the hell you are going to be playing in order to be able to actually SEE and HEAR you!

So hang tight just a bit longer as I tie up the last few loose ends to a myriad of personal things, and look for new content and an updated site as well.

By Brian M. Howle

Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, Styx would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads. The band – founded by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo – was heavily influenced by lead vocalist and keyboard wiz Dennis DeYoung, who wrote almost all of the lyrics along with most of the music. James Young’s distinctive guitar style complimented the style, along with guitarist John Curulewski.

Early on, Styx’s music reflected such then-current prog rockers as Emerson, Lake & Palmer and the Moody Blues, as evidenced by such releases as 1972’s self-titled debut, 1973’s Styx II, 1974’s The Serpent Is Rising, and 1975’s Man of Miracles. While the albums (as well as non-stop touring) helped the group build a substantial following locally, Styx failed to break through to the mainstream, until a track originally from their second album, “Lady” started to get substantial airplay in late ’74 on the Chicago radio station WLS-FM.

On the eve of the tour in support of 1975’s Equinox, original guitarist John Curulewski abruptly left the band, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Shaw proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Styx, as most of their subsequent releases throughout the late ‘70s earned at least platinum certification (1976’s Crystal Ball, 1977’s The Grand Illusion, 1978’s Pieces of Eight, and 1979’s Cornerstone), and spawned such hit singles and classic rock radio standards as “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man” and “Fooling Yourself.”

1981’s Paradise Theater became Styx’s biggest hit of their career (selling over three million copies in a three-year period), as they became one of the U.S. top rock acts due to such big hit singles as “Too Much Time on My Hands”. It also marked the first time in history that a band released four consecutive triple-platinum albums.

Styx went on hiatus until a full-on reunion tour in 1996. But drummer John Panozzo fell seriously ill at the time, which prevented him from joining the proceedings — as he passed away in July of the same year.

Although grief-stricken, Styx persevered with new drummer Todd Sucherman taking the place of Panozzo, as the Styx reunion tour became a surprise sold-out success, resulting in a whole new generation of rock fans being introduced to the grandiose sounds of Styx.

Now comprised of original members Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young on guitars/vocals, along with Lawrence Gowan on keys and lead vocals, Todd Sucherman on drums and Ricky Phillips on bass (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo), Styx continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.

Recently, the band released Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live DVD (Eagle Rock Entertainment). The landmark concert was recorded November 9, 2010 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Memphis, on the tour that saw Styx perform both of their classic albums, The Grand Illusion and Pieces Of Eight, in their entirety for the first time. The 20-song, two-hour and 11-minute presentation features stunning high-definition visuals accenting the complex musical arrangements recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM Stereo.

“This is the most magnificent piece of video we’ve done,” proclaims guitarist James “JY” Young. “Our two biggest selling albums performed live in their entirety, all captured in state-of-the-art high definition is something we’re extremely proud of. The collective skill set of the people involved in this project rivals NASA in its heyday.”

As singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw continues, “We loved creating a show around these two albums. It was a joyful challenge to match the mojo of the songs we’ve been playing for years against the edgier newness of the ones that had not been performed since the day they were recorded. And because the songs were sequenced for the album listener, it made for a completely different experience for the fans.”

Here’s the Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live DVD track listing:

Oh, you’ll want to make sure to get there early to catch opening band Connor Christian&Southern Gothic. They wouldn’t be opening for these boys unless they were good, kids … so get there early and check out these kids as well.

Rock to the Rescue—spearheaded by Tommy Shaw’s daughter, Hannah–is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by the band, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country. It was founded on the principle that our communities are stronger when we work together in mutual aid. Having played over 1500 shows in the last 14 years, Styx has been strongly connected with communities across the country. With local fans and community members making an effort to join in support of Styx, it is important to the band to actively participate in these communities as well. At each tour date, Rock to the Rescue partners with a local group to give back through community outreach, fundraising, and volunteer support. What makes Rock to the Rescue unique is that they work on a grassroots level with small groups, giving real support to real individuals who are creating positive changes in their communities. Rock to the Rescue is building initiatives in the areas of music education, health and well-being, disaster relief and aid, and animal welfare and rescue.

At each tour stop, Hannah Shaw researches local nonprofit organizations and picks one to see if they are interested in volunteering to help the band sell $10 tickets for a drawing to win a signed Styx guitar at the shows. They give these organizations a percentage of the sales as their way of supporting their cause and thanking them for supporting the band’s cause.

You can find out more about Hannah’s work, as well as all about the band, their schedule, history, photos and official Styx merchandise at their official website: www.styxworld.com.

The stage at House Of Blues was made for a show like this, as WYAV 104.1 FM presents Styx rocking out our own Paradise on Saturday, February 16, with opening act Connor Christian & Southern Gothic. Doors open 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32.00 Advance; $35.00 Day of Show.

The Grand Strand Model Railroad Club will bring the tradition-steeped hobby to the public, as they have announced their second annual Model Railroad Show and Sale. The event will be held on Oct. 13 and 14 at the Lakewood Conference Center, 5837 S. Kings Highway (on the frontage road) beside Lakewood Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The show will run Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 adults; children 12;and under FREE. The Conference Center’s phone is 843-447-7383.

Modular layouts on display will include Lionel (O-gauge), HO-gauge and N-gauge sizes. There will also be Free Modeling Clinics conducted throughout the day, so you can learn now to make mountains, trees, rivers, rocks, and more. Woodland scenery – pre-made miniature grasses, rocks, shrubs and trees are available from manufacturers, but more and more modelers are going the extra step of creating their own flora and fauna. Plus, there will be door prizes, and a Kid’s Engine Simulator.

Last year there were 1,600 attendees, 75 tables with 25 vendors, and all types of trains. This year features 80 tables with 29 vendors.

The club was formed over 25 years ago in Myrtle Beach by Nick Nicholas, who moved to Florida (and sadly, has since passed away). Ed Sharrett was stationed at the M.B. Air Force Base when he joined the group 24 years ago, and the love he developed for model railroading – as for so many of all generations – had its roots in the glorious heyday of Christmas mornings that featured the coveted Lionel train set underneath the Christmas tree.

There are currently 40 avid members, ranging from 18 to 92 years young. All types of people from all backgrounds belong, from chiefs (ret. USAF) to high school student, to former railroad engineer who worked for the railroad in Japan after WWII and then worked on the PL&E in Pittsburg, Pa. Always looking for new members that are interested in the hobby and would like to share their knowledge with others, they have operating sessions and in-house clinics to teach each other about all types of subjects: electrical, scenery, track laying, weathering and painting cars.

Their headquarters has recently moved to a new home after 25 years in downtown Myrtle Beach. The new location is at Myrtle Beach Mall on Hwy. 17 next to Bass Pro Shop, just off the Hwy. 22 interchange. The hours of operation are Saturdaya 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mondaya 4 to 7 p.m.

Before or after the show, stop by and see the three layouts: The Lionel, the N-gauge and the HO-gauge are operational.

Their transportable N-Scale modular layouts meet National Standard specifications, which means they can be attached to other layouts with the same specs. The club can take their layout to national shows or conventions and literally “plug in” to other layouts.

According to Sharrett, the train sets and layouts of today have advanced by leaps and bounds from those earlier forerunners. The world of model railroading use to be overwhelmingly Lionel (O-gauge), with one train and one track. Placing a second train would reduce voltage and slow the performance of both trains. Those “little engineers” now over the age of 40 have fond memories of this larger gauge format of trains and accompanying accessories, which were almost always located in more expanisive attic or basement locations.

Old layouts required huge amounts of wiring for each and every function of trains, tracks and accessories. Electronics now allow layouts to utilize computer chip technology that gives today’s enthusiasts far more control with a fraction of the time to build.

But today, the sets are controlled by Digital Command Control (DCC), which allows you to run 99 trains on one track at the same time, traversing in different directions and at different speeds, complete with sound systems that reproduce those snorting gases, air pumps, pistons and steam hissing – along with that amazing sensory delight, the billowing smoke from the old steam engines – that make the illusion ever stronger.

The engines have small electronic chips that receive the signals from the DCC controller, similar to your TV’s remote control. These are dedicated signals for all of the different commands you might wish to program into your layout.

HO-gauge is currently the most popular in today’s model railroading world, because of its size and relatively lower costs. The larger Lionel scale is still popular, but requires a lot of space (and money) to build a working layout.

And the advent of N-gauge opens up the ability to have a great layout in a much smaller space, giving them the nickname of “Coffee Table Layouts.”

But if you really want to go small, the incredible “Postage Stamp” Z-gauge has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Size Matters

As mentioned above, model railroaders have several scale sizes to consider when building a train layout:

Z Gauge – 220:1 Scale – Smaller than a penny, about the height of the top of Lincoln’s head. (Requires almost sterile operating environment, though; a speck of dust can bring your railway to a screeching halt!).

N Gauge – 1:160 Scale – This scale has exploded in popularity, due to the fact that you can build a huge scenario on a simple 4’ x 8’ layout, and buildings, scenery and accessories are plentiful.

HO Gauge – 1:87 Scale – The most popular scale, not as big as “O” Gauge, but big enough to provide great layouts and detail work. Again, huge variety of accessories.

S Gauge – 1:64 Scale – Most likely your Grandfather’s train set!

Standard “O” Gauge – 1:48: Scale – The one that went *BOOM* after WWII and graced millions of Christmas morning floors. Consisting mostly of Lionel and American Flyer sets; layout complementing Corgi die-cast vehicles are also scaled this size. Accessories are varied and may be harder to find (where you live), but worth every penny.

G Gauge – 1:29 Scale – A much larger scale, this scale is used in outdoor layouts that have become the darling of retirees across the country. Combines track planning and outdoor landscaping, which begs for a scale trestle over water somewhere!

On Site At The Show

The club will feature these layouts at the Lakewood Conference Center show:

N Scale – 6 ft. x 20 ft. layout – 8 Trains, 4 Tracks.

HO Scale – 10 ft. x 18 ft. layout.

Lionel (O-gauge) layout – 5 ft. x 6 ft. – Kids will love to operate these, which feature the some of Lionel’s legendary accessories, including the operating Log Loader, and an Electro-Magnetic Crane that picks up washers and puts them in a gondola car.

The club has constructed some interesting ways to show off model railroading to the kids (and not-so-little kids!).

The club uses a trailer to take the N-Gauge layouts to train shows, and the trailer has been painted to look like a real train caboose, complete with ladders, the smokestack from the old wood stove, and the iconic cupola on top! Look for the Little Red Caboose to guide you in when arriving at the show’s site.

All proceeds from the sale go to the club building fund, so that the permanent home layouts will remain on the strand for all model railroading enthusiasts to enjoy for many more generations to come.

For further information, contact Edward Sharrett at 843-293-4386; Joe Corsetti at 843-297-7162; or Bill Smith at 843-602-2420.